Terceira island beaches, bathing areas and natural pools in Azores

Terceira island is one of the most diverse islands in the Azores, in natural, cultural, historical and gastronomic terms. Even though Terceira island beaches are not its main attraction, the truth is that you can enjoy the sun and the sea while discovering the island’s culture and history, enjoying its gastronomy, exploring its volcanic landscapes and finding out its best viewpoints. Although the island is not a bathing destination in itself, there are beautiful Terceira island beaches and bathing areas, and you should definitely include them in your itinerary. But, in reality, Terceira island beaches (with sand) are not common, and the most popular sun bathing areas and swimming spots in Terceira island are actually its natural pools. Scattered around its coast, formed over thousands of years through contact and erosion of lava by seawater, Terceira island natural swimming pools now attract inhabitants and visitors in search of sea and sun.

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BEST TERCEIRA ISLAND BEACHES AND NATURAL POOLS

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In this post we present our suggestions on the best Terceira island beaches and natural pools, the best places on the island to swim in the sea and sunbathe.

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1. Enjoy Porto Judeu, one of the best Terceira island beaches and natural pools

In the town of Porto Judeu you will find a space of tranquility and beauty, where the natural pools are a popular attraction among residents and visitors alike. Don’t forget to go for a swim and enjoy Terceira island beaches and natural pools!

2. Enjoy Salga bathing area, one of the best Terceira island beaches and natural pools

Salga belongs to the parish of Vila de São Sebastião and is an area known for its bathing activities, with a beautiful beach that invites you to take a dip, one of the best Terceira island beaches. It also has a camping site, a small port and a natural swimming pool. It was in Salga Bay that an important battle took place (in 1581) during the succession crisis, between the Spanish who tried to disembark and the Portuguese forces who defended the island of Terceira, in a position against union with Spain.

3. Relax in the sand beach of Praia da Vitória on Terceira island

The bay of Praia da Vitória (Victory Beach) has an extensive sandy beach, the longest of Terceira island beaches and in the Azores. You shouldn’t miss the opportunity to take a swim and relax in the sun.

4. Spend the afternoon in Escaleiras bathing area

Leaving the airport behind, the Escaleiras bathing area, nestled next to a cliff, is a fantastic place to enjoy a peaceful swim in the Atlantic. One of the Terceira island beaches and natural pools not to miss.

5. Bathe in a lava pool at Quatro Ribeiras

Quatro Ribeiras is believed to be the first settlement on Terceira island. Misteriously, the history of human presence there (albeit fleeting) predates the Portuguese, since there are traces written on stone left by navigators, possibly Phoenicians, who passed through Terceira island centuries before the discovery by the Portuguese. Today, Quatro Ribeiras is best known for its bathing area, which is very popular among the inhabitants, and one of the Terceira island beaches and natural pools not to be missed.

6. Swim in Calheta dos Lagadores, one of the best Terceira island beaches and natural pools

Almost reaching the Biscoitos bathing area, Calheta dos Lagadores is a less crowded area, but very beautiful, and where you can take a nice dip.

7. Swim in Biscoitos, one of the best Terceira island beaches and natural pools

Many say they are the best natural pools in the Azores, and who are we to disagree! The Biscoitos (Biscuits) bathing area is truly a fabulous place to enjoy the water and a good sunbath. It is, however, a very busy place as it is probably the most popular of Terceira island beaches and natural pools.

8. Enjoy Cinco Ribeiras, one of the best Terceira island beaches and natural pools

In addition to a fishing port, Cinco Ribeiras has a bathing area where you can take a nice dip. It is one of the most beautiful areas to go swimming on Terceira Island. It has small natural pools and when there are few people it is a true paradise. Some of the pools have access to the open sea and the water is rough due to the waves, so some care is needed.

9. Enjoy the natural pools of Negrito

The Port of Negritois is one of the Terceira island beaches with a bathing area that is very popular among the inhabitants, as well as visitors. You can combine a swim with a visit to Negrito Fort, one of the fortifications built on the island of Terceira in the context of the succession crisis of 1580.

10. Enjoy the Silveira bathing area

Located just about 1.5 km from the historic center of Angra do Heroísmo, the Silveira bathing area occupies the pier and ramp of an old fishing port and is one of the most popular Terceira island beaches.

Buy your travel insurance to explore Terceira island beaches and natural pools.

If you are going to travel to the Azores, these are our posts that you shouldn’t miss:

• AZORES ISLANDS – Travel to Portugal’s best kept secret – Introduction to the nine islands of the Azores and their characteristics; practical tips for visiting Portugal’s best kept secret.

• SÃO MIGUEL ISLAND – What not to miss when visiting the Azores – Tips for visiting São Miguel island, a paradise in the Atlantic; how to get around, where to sleep, what to do and see and places not to miss.

• São Miguel itinerary – Road trip for 5 or 7 days in the Azores island – All the tips for a São Miguel itinerary, bringing together the best of the Azores island, for a 5 or 7 days road trip.

• Visit Terceira island – Territory, history and geography – Guide to visit Terceira island in the Azores; the territory, history and geography of this beautiful and diversified Azores island. Ideal to plan exploring Terceira island beaches and natural pools.

• Terceira island travel tips – Travel tips to start planning your trip; when to go, how to get there, how to get around, travel insurance and where to stay.

• Terceira island itinerary – 5 days itinerary on this beautiful Azores island, covering the island’s main attractions.

• Where to stay on Terceira island – The best hotels and places to stay on Terceira island while exploring Terceira island beaches and natural pools.

• Terceira island best viewpoints – Best spots to enjoy the spectacular landscapes of this beautiful Azores island. Ideal to combine with Terceira island beaches and natural pools.

• Terceira island culture & heritage – Best places to learn about Terceira island culture & heritage, UNESCO heritage town of Angra do Heroismo, religious and historical places on the island. Ideal to combine with Terceira island beaches and natural pools.

• Terceira island beaches, bathing areas and natural pools – Terceira island best beaches and bathing areas, including natural swimming pools, the best places in the island to enjoy the sea and sun.

• Terceira island best restaurants – Best places on Terceira island to taste Azores traditional food, fish, seafood and meat.